Menopause and Nutrition: What I’ve Learned So Far
- Anchor Pilates, LLC
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Navigating the Menopause Transition: My Personal Story
So… about that whole menopause thing.
Let’s just say, the menopause transition has been a journey. And in the spirit of transparency (and normalizing this season of life), I thought I’d share a bit of what my experience has been like so far—along with a few stories from clients who might sound a lot like you. Along the way we'll talk about menopause and nutrition too!
When Menopause Caught Me Off Guard
My transition into menopause started about a year ago. Periods began to fade, and I hit that magic number—11 months without a cycle. I thought, “This is it. Almost there!”
And then—bam. The period returned. Clock reset.
I didn’t experience intense hot flashes. But my biggest struggles?
Sleep issues and urinary urgency.
When your hormones shift, so does your pelvic floor function. And let me tell you—there’s nothing more frustrating than not making it to the bathroom in time. I know many of my clients deal with the same thing. You can check out my Pelvic Floor post here:
Wide Awake at 2:30 AM
Those early-morning wakeups? The worst.
I asked my primary care doc about them—and got brushed off.
Thankfully, I met Dr. Miller, a Functional Medicine Doctor, at a networking event. After a deep dive into my lifestyle, lab work, and stress levels, we discovered I wasn’t technically in menopause yet. Surprise again.
She suggested a few targeted supplements and progesterone, which made a difference—especially in my sleep and HRV (Heart Rate Variability), a key indicator of how your body handles stress.
Is my sleep perfect now? No.
But it’s better overall—and that matters.
If you’ve ever felt dismissed, advocate for yourself. Whether it’s working with a functional medicine provider or simply pushing for better answers from your doctor—you deserve to be heard.
Want to learn more about Dr. Karen Miller? Check out her website here...
You’re Not Alone
A client recently told me she wakes up every night drenched in sweat. Fan on high, clothes laid out—and still, it hits. The discomfort, the disruption, the exhaustion.
When I mentioned it to my mom, her response was, “Isn’t it just something you have to go through?” That was the story she was told—grit your teeth and bear i. No support, no real solutions.
But we need to flip that script.
Women deserve more than silence. We deserve real tools, understanding, and a supportive space to navigate this transition.
Sometimes, just knowing someone else is in it with you makes all the difference.
Let's Get to the Meat of the Matter (Pun Intended!) The Role of Nutrition in Menopause
In my last newsletter, I hinted at something big—how your relationship with food needs to change in midlife.
I used to be all about cardio and cutting calories.
Spoiler alert: that approach does not work anymore.
We need to fuel our bodies, not deplete them. Especially when it comes to protein.
Protein is essential for:
• Maintaining and building muscle
• Supporting bone density
• Regulating metabolism
• Reducing the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
Want the full scoop? Read my deep-dive blog post on protein and it's importance for health!
Eat to Nourish, Not Punish
Nutrition isn’t just “calories in, calories out.” It’s also about quality and variety.
Eating more whole foods, adding colorful fruits and veggies (a.k.a. “eating the rainbow”), and cutting back on pesticide-laden products can all support hormonal balance and reduce inflammation.
I’m not saying you have to go full organic, but even small swaps can help your body respond better to stress.
And don’t forget your bones—vitamin D, calcium, and strength-building movement are crucial in preventing osteoporosis. (Stay tuned—I’ve got a post on that coming soon.)
Save the Date
Want to dive deeper into all things strength, balance, and thriving in midlife?
I’ve got a retreat coming up at Elohee (near Helen, GA) that’s designed just for you:
Anchor to Embodiment: A Pilates and Mindset Retreat for Women
🗓️ May 15–17, 2026
Together with Leslie Clayon of Body Awareness Studio, we’re creating a weekend of movement, reflection, and reconnection—so you can feel strong, supported, and empowered in this next chapter.
🌿 More details coming soon—mark your calendar now and click the button below to be added to future emails about the retreat!
Pausing in Menopause
There’s no one magic bullet for navigating menopause. No single supplement, therapy, or strategy that makes it all smooth sailing.
But what does help?
✨ Collaboration with trusted health providers
✨ Leaning on each other for support
✨ And yes—a solid sense of humor
Because when sleep disappears, brain fog rolls in, and your body feels like it’s playing thermostat roulette… you need more than just willpower. You need community, compassion, and a moment to breathe.
I’ve personally faced the frustration of 2 a.m. wake-ups, sudden hot flashes mid-teaching, and the “Where did I put my phone?” moments (while holding said phone).
You’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone.
“In the pause of a single breath, we find the space to reset, reflect, and rise again. Even in the hormonal chaos, there is power in the pause.” Amanda Curd
If you’re in the thick of it—or feel like you’re just starting to ride the hormonal roller coaster—I’d love to hear from you.
📩 Message me here: anc@anchortolife.com
📲 DM me on Instagram: @amanda_anchortolife
📘 Say hi on Facebook: @anchortolife
👭 Even better? Join my private Facebook group for tips, stories, recipes, and real connection: Join here
Let’s stop just surviving menopause—
Let’s pause, breathe, and thrive through it. Together.
Yours in longevity, empowerment, and thriving,
Amanda Curd
Anchor to Life Pilates & Nutrition
Helping Women Thrive in Midlife and Beyond
Whether you’re in Alpharetta or joining me virtually, my mission at Anchor to Life Pilates & Nutrition is to help women stay strong, aligned, and confident. Using Pilates, functional movement, and evidence-based menopause coaching, I specialize in building strength, improving posture, and navigating the menopause transition with grace.
If you’re looking to age with vitality and balance, you’re in the right place.
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